Class Central is learner-supported. When you buy through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission.

The Open University

A brief history of communication: hieroglyphics to emojis

The Open University via OpenLearn

Go to class Write review

No Longer Offered

Corporate Finance Institute Ad

Build the Finance Skills That Lead to Promotions, Not Just Certificates

Learn More → CodeSignal Ad

Learn Generative AI, Prompt Engineering, and LLMs for Free

Learn More →

Overview

Google, IBM & Meta Certificates – 40% Off
One Coursera Plus subscription covers most Professional Certificates on Coursera.
Unlock All Certificates
This course examines the history of communication, including writing systems, symbols, body language, textspeak, and emojis. It also considers how emojis supplement written language and introduces emoji design.

Syllabus

  • Introduction
  • Learning outcomes
  • 1 Language and everyday technologies
  • 1 Language and everyday technologies
  • 2 A brief history of writing
  • 2 A brief history of writing
  • 3 Communicating in symbols and pictures
  • 3 Communicating in symbols and pictures
  • 3.1 Textspeak and language change
  • 3.2 Picture-based writing
  • 4 The birth of writing
  • 4 The birth of writing
  • 4.1 Broadening the reach of language
  • 4.2 Different types of meaning-making
  • 4.3 From alphabet to emojis
  • 5 The universality of body language
  • 5 The universality of body language
  • 6 Emojis as a supplement to written language
  • 6 Emojis as a supplement to written language
  • 7 Designing emojis
  • 7 Designing emojis
  • Conclusion
  • References
  • Acknowledgements

Tags

Reviews

Start your review of A brief history of communication: hieroglyphics to emojis

Go to class

Never Stop Learning.

Get personalized course recommendations, track subjects and courses with reminders, and more.

Sign up for free
Someone learning on their laptop while sitting on the floor.